Bartlesville Community Foundation

Bartlesville Community Foundation is pleased to announce the programs and projects that will receive funding through their 2009 Spring Grant cycle.�

“The process was quite extensive,” reports Julia Crouch, BCF executive director. “The application process was launched in December with grant categories covering seven key areas. Once applications were received, an evaluation team went to work.”�

This year’s recipients represent ten different non-profit organizations and programs. They include: OK Mozart’s Showcase Series, Westside Community Center’s Peaceful Warriors program, Oklahoma Indian Summer’s 2009 festival, La Casa Hispana’s outreach services, Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding initiative, Martha’s Task Emergency Work program, Fantasyland Festival of Light’s transition to LED lighting, Washington County Child Care Foundation’s First Chapter packets, Mutual Girls Club’s career skills training, and Price Tower Arts Center’s downtown garden project.�

The evaluation process was spearheaded by volunteers from the community. The committee, headed by BCF immediate-past board chair Charlie Bowerman, included Glenn Cox and David Kedy, both BCF board members, as well as Paul Gustafson and Tracy Harlow, community representatives. The grants are made possible through public donations from the people of Bartlesville.�

The seven award categories represent funds that have been established to meet critical community needs and include the areas of preservation and protection of the environment; beautification and attraction of downtown Bartlesville; community spirit and pride; legacy building and encouraging community service; enhancing our community’s future vitality; economic development; and counseling and mental health.

“The beauty of a community foundation is its ability to address a wide range of community needs. Through the generosity and vision of our donors, Bartlesville Community Foundation is able to support these various programs, which impact the lives of hundreds in our community,” Crouch adds, “While seven categories were available with the Spring 2009 cycle, additional funds can easily be established that allow donors to direct their donation to other areas of community improvement. BCF’s commitment to providing a simple way to do good works is well illustrated throughout this process.” Information regarding the foundation can be obtained by calling Crouch at 918.337.2287.

Bartlesville Community Foundation is pleased to announce its scholarship award recipients for 2009.

“The community foundation has been privileged to partner with a number of local leaders and organizations who value education,” reports Julia Crouch, executive director for Bartlesville Community Foundation. “These individuals and groups have established scholarship funds through BCF as a simple way for donors to support the award. Each scholarship is customized, providing its own criteria for successful candidates.” �

Four community foundation funds issued scholarships this year. They include: Birdies for Scholarships, Green Country Cattlemen’s Association, the Lou Skurcenski Memorial Scholarship, and the Blair Thompson Russell Memorial Scholarship. “Students must complete a comprehensive application process, often including essay writing and speeches. To receive one of the scholarship awards amidst tough competition is quite an accomplishment,” says Crouch. �

“We’re pleased to announce the following students as winners of the scholarships: Sarah Wilburn, Birdies for Scholarships; Cassie Parrett, Joseph Truesdell, Chase Ward, and Tori Morgan, Green Country Cattlemen’s Association; Mark LeMaster, Lou Skurcenski Memorial Scholarship; and Callie Rietfors, Blair Thompson Russell Memorial Scholarship.” These students will be attending the college or university of their choice this fall.�

Crouch adds, “These scholarships are made possible only through the generous support of donors. People of our community make contributions to Bartlesville Community Foundation in order for the scholarships to be awarded each year. Without the organizers of each fund and the giving spirit of donors, none of these awards could exist.” Additional scholarship funds can easily be established to focus on a specific cause or award criteria, or donations can be made to existing funds. For information, contact Bartlesville Community Foundation at 918.337.2287.